Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a delightful dish that perfectly balances savory and zesty flavors. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. The fresh cilantro and vibrant lime juice give these noodles a unique twist, making them a standout choice in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of cilantro and lime creates a refreshing taste that brightens up your meal.
- Customizable Spice: Adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference, making it ideal for all palates.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Packed with flavor without meat, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike.
- One-Pot Cooking: Minimal cleanup is required since everything can be prepared in one pot, saving you time and effort.
Tools and Preparation
To make Cilantro Lime Noodles, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These items will help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- A large pot
- Heat-proof bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Pot: Ideal for cooking noodles evenly without overcrowding.
- Heat-Proof Bowl: Allows you to mix hot oil with fresh ingredients safely without risk of melting or damage.
- Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate quantities of spices and sauces for consistent flavors.
- Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for chopping ingredients like garlic, shallots, and cilantro efficiently.
Ingredients
An easy, savoury, and zesty bowl of Cilantro Lime Noodles with a hint of spice and earthiness from chili and curry powder.
Noodles
- 5.2 oz dry noodles of choice (2 servings) I used knife cut noodles
Fresh Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (see notes)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 small shallot (or red onion)
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder (optional for extra spice)
Sauces & Oils
- 1/4 cup oil (I used olive oil)
- 1.5 to 2 tbsp vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce (to taste)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice (juice from 1 lime)
How to Make Cilantro Lime Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
- Cook your noodles according to package instructions but slightly undercook them until they are chewy.
- Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a colander.
Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients
- In a large heat-proof bowl, add the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, shallot or red onion, curry powder, sugar, and chili powder.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In the same pot used for the noodles, heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes until hot.
- To test if the oil is ready, add a small piece of garlic; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Mix Oil with Ingredients
- Turn off the heat once the oil is hot, then carefully pour it over the bowl containing cilantro, garlic, shallots/onion, and seasonings.
- Enjoy the sizzling sound as you mix well.
Step 5: Add Sauces
- Incorporate the vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice into the mixture.
- Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Combine with Noodles
- Add in your cooked noodles to the bowl.
- Mix gently but effectively to coat all noodles in the flavorful sauce mixture. Taste your dish; adjust seasoning with more veg oyster sauce if desired.
Step 7: Serve Hot
- If you like extra spice, finish with some chili oil or sauce on top before serving.
- Enjoy your Cilantro Lime Noodles while they are still warm!
This recipe serves two people as a main course and takes only 20 minutes from prep to plate! Enjoy this wonderfully zesty noodle dish anytime you’re craving something delicious yet simple!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As a Main Dish
- Serve the noodles hot as a standalone main dish, garnished with extra cilantro for freshness.
With Grilled Proteins
- Pair your Cilantro Lime Noodles with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.
In a Salad
- Toss the noodles with fresh vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers for a refreshing noodle salad.
With Chili Oil
- Drizzle chili oil over the top for an added kick of heat and flavor that complements the zesty noodles.
As a Cold Noodle Dish
- Chill the noodles after preparation and serve them cold with a splash of lime juice and sesame seeds for a refreshing twist.
How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Noodles
To ensure your Cilantro Lime Noodles turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh cilantro and garlic will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Monitor Noodle Cooking Time – Undercook your noodles slightly so they remain chewy and absorb flavors better.
- Heat Oil Properly – Ensure your oil is hot enough before pouring it over the ingredients; this releases essential oils from the herbs.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust the vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce or lime juice according to your preference for sweetness or acidity.
- Add Texture – Consider adding crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top for an enjoyable crunch.
- Garnish Generously – Don’t hold back on garnishing with extra cilantro and lime wedges for visual appeal and flavor boost.
Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Enhance your meal by serving one or more of these delightful options.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients to your plate.
- Spring Rolls – Fresh vegetable spring rolls offer a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.
- Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup complements the zesty flavors of the noodles perfectly.
- Asian Slaw – Crunchy slaw with sesame dressing brings freshness and texture alongside your dish.
- Edamame – Steamed edamame pods make for an easy, protein-rich side that pairs well with noodles.
- Grilled Vegetables – Marinated grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add depth to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people struggle with making the perfect Cilantro Lime Noodles. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a successful dish.
- Underestimating noodle cooking time: It’s crucial to slightly undercook the noodles. This prevents them from becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and garlic make a big difference in flavor. Always choose fresh over dried for the best taste.
- Overheating oil: If the oil gets too hot, it can burn the garlic and shallots, leading to a bitter taste. Keep an eye on the heat and remove it just before it starts smoking.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: The flavor can vary based on personal preference. Taste your noodles after mixing, and adjust salt or sauces as needed.
- Not enjoying the sizzle: Pouring hot oil over your mixture creates a delightful sizzle that enhances the dish. Don’t rush this step; let it happen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Cilantro Lime Noodles in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cilantro Lime Noodles
- You can freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat, adding a splash of water or oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Cilantro Lime Noodles.
What are Cilantro Lime Noodles?
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a savory dish made with noodles tossed in a zesty sauce featuring fresh cilantro, lime juice, and spices.
Can I customize my Cilantro Lime Noodles?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or proteins like chicken or tofu to enhance your dish.
How spicy are Cilantro Lime Noodles?
The spice level depends on your choice of chili powder. Omit it for mild noodles or increase it for more heat.
Are Cilantro Lime Noodles vegan-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is vegan as it uses vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce and no animal products.
Final Thoughts
Cilantro Lime Noodles offer a delightful blend of flavors that cater to various tastes. With its easy preparation and customization options, you can make this dish your own! Try adding different vegetables or proteins to truly make it unique. Enjoy every bite!
Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a vibrant and zesty dish that brings a refreshing twist to your dining table. This easy and quick recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as an impressive dish for gatherings. The combination of fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice infuses the noodles with bright flavors, while customizable spice levels accommodate all palates. Whether enjoyed as a stand-alone meal, paired with grilled proteins, or transformed into a chilled salad, these noodles are versatile enough to satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
- 5.2 oz dry noodles (2 servings)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 small shallot (or red onion)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup oil (olive or your choice)
- 1.5 to 2 tbsp vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice (juice from 1 lime)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions until slightly underdone; rinse under cold water and set aside.
- In a large heat-proof bowl, combine cilantro, garlic, shallot, curry powder, sugar, and chili powder.
- Heat oil in the same pot over medium-high heat until hot; test by adding a piece of garlic—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Pour hot oil over the cilantro mixture and mix well.
- Stir in mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice until combined.
- Add cooked noodles to the bowl; gently toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
